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Among all the Apostles called was one man whom stands out in the crowd as one who was called to bear witness to the Gentiles. His name was Paul. One of the distinguishing characteristics of an Apostle was to have “planted” churches (gatherings) for those who were seeking fellowship among the brethren who believed upon Christ Jesus. There were many human issues with the earlier gatherings in Paul’s day just as there are today. As the following excerpt will show, these issues were primarily due to man’s carnal lusts and desire to inherit riches and wealth. There was also the inherit propensity of man to be followers of men. These issues still plague Christianity today. Paul indicated that there was more for believers to achieve in the way of understanding but indicated that many believers then were as unprepared for the “meat” of the gospel as they appear to be today. Among the gatherings was a Church established in Corinth whose description sounds much like the contemporary models of Church today. Paul appeals to them with a sense of humility and compassion as he rebukes their childish nature. I can identify with Paul in my own calling. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able to bear it: nay, not even now are ye able; for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men?” Paul accurately describes the contention among the gathered ones at the Church in Corinth. He declares the source of their contention to be jealousy and envy precipitating argument. He qualifies his judgement of their poor witness to be a result of their carnality and asks, “do ye not walk after the manner of men?” Paul states that because of their immaturity, he has dealt with them as one deals with babes and gave them only milk to drink. He indicated that they were not able to bear the “meat”, as it was Paul’s assessment that meat is only for the aged who is able to discern the differences between “good and evil.” For as in the book of Hebrews (author unknown but accepted by some to be Paul), the writer declares the same understanding. Hebrews 5:12-14 “For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments [elementary] of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. For every one that partakes of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food is for full-grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.” Here we allow the known Word of God to confirm itself and establish that there are degrees and levels of belief among adherents. The thrust of Paul’s admonition is to exhort and challenge the gathered ones onto maturity rather than remaining as babes in Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:3-8 “For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men? What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him. I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase. Now he that plants and he that waters are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.” Here, Paul is describing another contemporary issue that seems to have gone unchecked for many centuries. Men following men. When Paul says, “For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men? What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed…” Paul is describing what many still do today. I have written and exhorted on this issue in prior Scrolls that is how many religions of men were formed. There are so many out there in today’s world that completely missed the point of promised rejection and suffering. Mainstream Christianity is largely based on Calvinism, which offers salvation without the requirement of neither obedience nor an understanding and application of genuine repentance. When certain men of history like Luther and Calvin were exalted and elevated to heights of honor, many forget the age-old warnings of idolatry and become as followers of these men. Paul asks what are we but mere ministers through whom you believed? There is a fine line drawn between honoring and worshipping men. It is clear that Paul did not want to be worshipped as God should be worshipped but rather acknowledged as a minister and example of Christ-like faith. 1 Corinthians 3:8-13 “For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building. According to the grace of God, which was given unto me, as a wise master-builder I laid a foundation; and another builds thereon. But let each man take heed how he builds thereon. For other foundation can no man lay than that, which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if any man builds on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is.” Paul declares to the gathered ones that we are “fellow workers,” the very building (temple) of God. Crediting God’s grace, Paul establishes that he was one who laid a foundation. Recalling that Christ is known as the very cornerstone of that foundation then the work, which Paul did, was from that first corner stone laid. Paul further testifies that others are building from that initial work which Paul accomplished. Paul further states that no one can build another foundation except that it is built upon the one that Christ Jesus started. He warns that if any decide to build upon it, weather it is built of “gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble,” each man’s work shall be tested for endurance and if it withstands the test of fire, that man’s work shall be revealed as being worthy. We have today seen many new temples made of wood, stone and glass created by man in which to worship God. But they are of a perishable material and as Jesus pointed out to His disciples that marveled at the great temple structures, “not one stone shall be left upon another” for these temporal structures are destined to come crashing down. We live in what is referred to as the “Church age.” What we see taking place within the realm of contemporary Christianity is a type of judgement beginning with the household of God. This indeed is fulfillment of prophetic scripture and one that demands attention from the discerning. 1 Peter 4:17 “For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” There isn’t a week that goes by without some number of ecumenical heresies being exposed in the media limelight and church fires seem to be common place over the last decade. The latest uproar in American Christianity is the acceptance of sodomy further separating men from the fundamental essence of Christ centered faith and application. It looks more like people are giving up on God rather than God giving up on His people. Wouldn’t you agree brethren? 1 Corinthians 3:14-17 “If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye.” Here, Paul reveals a promise of our blessed hope of eternal
salvation. He exhorts that even if a man’s work (that which
he did by faith) is burned up by the unquenchable fire and suffer
loss, he himself shall be saved by faith because he did according
to how he trusted and believed. Further, Paul reminds us that
if any of us destroy the temple in which God abides, that man
shall also be destroyed by God because the temple is regarded
as holy and we according to Paul’s understanding are holy.
We are the temples of the living GOD. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 “Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness: and again, The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise that they are vain. Wherefore let no one glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.” Paul again refers to the admonition, “let no one glory in men.” He exhorts, “do not be deceived” or “deceive himself.” Paul admonishes that the craftiness and wisdom of the world and the worldly is foolishness unto God. Paul further states that if there are any who are wise then let them become foolish so that they may become wise. I’m given to recall the passage where Jesus explained to His disciples why He spoke in parables. Matthew 13:11-13 And he answered and said unto them, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” “Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest happily they should turn again, and it should be forgiven them.” Earlier in his first letter to Corinth Paul reveals that God uses the foolish base things of this world to despise the wise. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 “but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to naught the things that are: that no flesh should glory before God.” So therefore brethren let us not boast among ourselves but rather glory in our foolishness, which is still yet not understood by the worldly. Paul reminds us that all things belong to us who belong to Christ. As a man I am foolish indeed because I often rejoice in my suffering and poverty. When I am reviled, I can smile and remember I am all the more blessed because Jesus was so treated and hated by the same. The point then is for us to be comforted but never to the degree that we may boast among ourselves. Let all things therefore be for achieving a faithful witness of God’s Spirit in flesh. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 “Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.” Here, Paul speaks of judgment. He makes it clear that the Lord is the one who so judges and states that it is not important what others think of him declaring that he does not even judge himself. He goes on to exhort not to judge certain things before their time. This is not to say that we should not practice righteous judgment in our lives among ourselves and within our gatherings but that we should not be so quick to condemn matters, which might be regarded as sanctified according to one’s own faith. I know this because of how Paul describes judging others in another passage found in this same letter to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 5:3-13 “For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing, in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are unleavened. For our Passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ: wherefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators; not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world: but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat. For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them those are without God judges. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.” Therefore, we ought not to judge according to our own limited understanding but to apply ourselves to that which God has already judged. In simple words, abstain from that which has been judged as evil and make your judgments based on God’s, not your own. There are some matters, which must be left to God for judgment, and we know that He judges us by our faith in Him. It is by this measure of judgment that each man may receive his praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 “Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred [figuratively applied] to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other. For who maketh thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou did not receive? But if thou did receive it, why do thou glory as if thou had not received it?” The point then is not to exceed what is written but only apply yourselves to the simple and fundamental instructions of our Lord and the Apostolic examples afforded us. Be humble towards one another. 1 Corinthians 4:8-16 “ Already are ye filled, already ye are become rich, and ye have come to reign without us: yea and I would that ye did reign that we also might reign with you. For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place; and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring [dregs] of all things, even until now. I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel. I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me.” Paul exhibits a great deal of mercy and compassion towards those who were at Corinth. This is noteworthy because both Pauline epistles to the Church at Corinth made it clear that they were beset with many problems and issues that are not uncommon in today’s Christian gatherings. For this reason, Paul was preparing to send Timothy to Corinth who was given charge to continue teaching those who were gathered. Paul also reveals clearly that the life of an Apostle was not one of comfort, wealth or great security. In fact, he implicitly confirms for us that which Jesus and the other Apostles reported; very much suffering follows those who choose to follow after Jesus. By Paul’s description, it was clear that what Jesus promised Him on the road to Damascus was coming to pass. Paul was being shown how much he must suffer for Christ’s sake. Indeed, the same holds true today for any that desire to truly follow after Jesus. Paul clarifies that he was not attempting to bring shame upon the gathered ones at Corinth but implicitly states that he was admonishing them as children. I am filled with joy at this moment because Jesus has taught me the same and He has shown me that as much as it is His love for me, it is also His love for others when I or another exhort the same strong reproof of error or misapplication. Paul beseeches them to be imitators of himself as he is of Christ. I agree and exhort the same brethren as judgment sweeps the congregations of all creeds and denominations of religious faith. 1 Corinthians 4:17-21 “ For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways, which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church. Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” Here is where the similarities between Paul’s calling and my own take a sharp turn. Paul was an Apostle I am not. Though Paul exhorts and warns according to the utterances of God and I do much the same as a contemporary messenger, he traveled much and was helped along the way by those who were gathering in secret. Apostle Paul was accredited for planting many gatherings (Churches) and I have planted none. Paul was able to send out faithful fellow stewards of the gospel and I can’t afford to go anywhere outside my hometown. Add to that how one is so treated in his hometown and you guessed it, I don’t get many invites to travel and speak. I’ve exhausted most of them because Christ’s agenda does not meet with their approval so I am content to travel through cyberspace to you “who have been given ears to hear.” Of the invites I have received, I am unable to accommodate most of the requests because none that have made the offer are able or willing to pay expenses. If I were expected to pay my own way, I would do so cheerfully if I had the money. Perhaps I could but there is no money in this type of ministry which God has called me to perform and the only money that does come, comes by way of our own infusion. Add to that my unfinished responsibility as a full-time single parent raising kids and the need to work in this slavery driven society to keep oneself from drowning in excessive fees and taxes and you see why my ability is restricted. As I have said before, there are a tiny number of you whose names I shall keep secret who see fit to send occasional free will offerings. Your generosity by comparison is unheard of in today’s world and we are ever grateful for your unwavering support and help. If it were not for the few who do give occasional relief, hope would all but vanish. Jesus promised that we would receive our support but he never said it would be so over-flowing that we could live in lavish abundance. Sustaining ourselves against all this adversity does demonstrate God’s power in us. He is glorified not by our word alone but His power in us working through love. Because we are weak, poor and destitute, we identify with the same because our Lord also experienced the same. He was born in the flesh of man under humble circumstances and became a King and Savior to those who share in the same rejection, suffering and selfless sacrifices.
Is anybody out there really paying attention? Does anyone really care? What am I doing here, preaching and exhorting to the air? I am concerned because of the lack of active participation from many, the false economy and the crushing burden of me raising my children without any help from others and the never ending rise of taxes, rents, utilities, groceries, insurance costs, gasoline etc. etc. etc. This curse has followed me for years. I feel like I’m falling backwards. This relentless bleeding of what little comfort I may achieve has never stopped but has continued since the in-laws robbed me of my life and security blaming me for my wife’s suicide! The more I disciple after and pursue the life and relationship that my Lord has prescribed to us the more dysfunctional and abnormal I become. Some say I lack faith. Others say I am way off base! I've determined that a man cannot have it both ways. You cannot achieve much creature comfort in this life if you've chosen to follow Christ. Though peace may abide with you, you will suffer much for His Namesake. You will die a hated and persecuted soul and many will be glad to see you go. Or you can pretend that you know Jesus and make for yourself a real happy and comfortable life without genuine repentance and be an ecumenical heretic or some other form of religious hypocrite and vainly hope that the "do good-er" lifestyle you've pursued will be enough to get your sorry butt into heaven. Or, you can meld right back into society being blinded by your patriotism and dreams of someday becoming rich and famous among men and carry on with your parties, drinking, drugging and filling your appetites with sexual diversity. Many Americans see this as a wonderful blessing from God slaving away day after day filling their lives with material things achieving temporary bouts of happiness while remaining oblivious to the real suffering that is taking place in people's lives they know and ignore; your neighbor next door. Or you can simply choose to exist no more. If I’m going to die, then I choose to die with honor by following Jesus. A right portion of heat and friction applied sharpens and polishes but too much and the metal warps, the gemstones crack and strength and integrity breaks down. Brethren, I am perplexed. This is too much to bear without the right measure of support from brothers and sisters. If I were really that important to you and participating members within the Ministry then more would be hearing my cries and would respond with compassion and understanding! Is the world really that dead? Why have more not bought volumes of my book and invited me to speak at various gatherings and if they were in agreement, why have we not been flooded with free will offerings to support our cause for Christ's sake? What little we receive, we pass on to others with greater need. For ourselves there is but a meager existence, little appreciation and I am a fool for thinking that I could ever make a difference in this cursed world. Sadly, I have discovered that most people really don't give a hoot and I am grieving terribly. I am not feeling too fit right now even to pray. Like Jesus felt in the Garden, I just want all the pain to go away. Where is the compassion, understanding and support? Among fools... I am the most foolish of all men. I am not an Apostle yet the very suffering they endured follows me like a shadow. I desire only the things, which are reasonable for security and comfort. I find that even my humblest means of living is in jeopardy. I went without running hot water for almost ten years and did not complain. I went without refrigeration for almost ten years and did not complain. I went without a normal sized commode and often had to resort to peeing in a bucket for almost ten years and did not complain. I went without a bed and mattress for almost ten years and did not complain. I sacrificed my career and financial security for the sake of rearing my kids and did not complain. In past jobs, I did the right and just thing in all circumstances and got fired for my actions but I did not complain. I've laid aside what residual pride was left in me to accept occasional help from others and have even visited the food banks and I did not complain. In all this I've prayed for others, visited orphans and widows in their distress, made it a point to minister to the accused in prison and visited the sick and infirm and prayed for them. Occasionally, I prayed for some modest restoration that I may continue to survive and serve my Lord but everytime I make a tiny bit of headway and feel like I’m overcoming, I get knocked off my feet and land on my butt only to see more and more stripped away from me. Clearly there is something wrong here? Brethren, I speak not to condemn but to admonish all of you in love for there are so few that care to even acknowledge that something greater than man’s suffering is being conveyed here. Is it that I’ve been an unworthy steward and this is the result "Even what he does have shall be taken away from him?" Or have I not fully accepted and understood that God hath set forth us the apostles [and disciples] last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men? We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked [or poorly clothed], and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place; and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring [dregs] of all things, even until now.” What have ye all to say? Why are so many dead and silent among you? Are you still deaf and cannot hear? Are you still blind and cannot see? Are you so full of unbelief that it is impossible to renew your minds, spirit and conscience? Why, if so many of you who declare that you have received the revelation and light do you act and respond as though you have not received it? Apostle Paul asked the same question of those gathered in Corinth. “And what hast thou that thou did not receive? But if thou did receive it, why do thou glory as if thou had not received it?” If I am so convicted why are so many of you despondent? Does anybody get it? As another or I so suffer, so too, does our Lord still suffer. We are not just doing this unto ourselves people but what we are doing, we do unto our Lord. Remember the exhortation and warning from Jesus about those who declare salvation? There are sheep and there are goats that are separated by the Shepherd. If you think yourself to be safe among the flock and do not care to even respond to this little one, what are you? As for me, I am always working out my salvation with fear and trembling. How about you? Matthew 25:31-46 “But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee or athirst, and gave thee drink? And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in or naked, and clothed thee? And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me. And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.” Philippians 2:1-13 “If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.” How we are directly affected…In a recent letter to Rita, my beloved and faithful partner in this ministry, I addressed my concerns over the lack of funds to repair or replace our copy machine equipment which she uses to get the newsletters out to a long established core of Cephas Ministry participants. The equipment is broken down and too old to find adequate parts or service technicians to make repairs. I said, “I believe that we have to “ask” lest we do not receive what we need to continue. I think you are finally starting to see that too. You’ve never begged and you have certainly never condemned others for not giving to the ministry but unless people “know” what our situation is, they will not be inclined to lay aside their own needs for the needs of those who minister to many. Unfortunately, that is because the biblical example of combined community effort among the truer Christ-like congregations has not existed for many centuries. It was replaced by something more demonic and selfish by nature. I don't believe that Jesus would hold it against us if we made reasonable request of those who are in the “have” category of life.” I am reminded of an eloquent parable in Luke... Luke 11:5-13 And he said unto them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" This passage speaks volumes to us in that it instructs us to pray for that which we need and also indicates when we seek out and ask for provision from others; we are likely to receive, especially if we are persistent. Jesus made it clear that what we seek is made available to us but if we do not ask, how will any know of our need? We know that our heavenly Father knows our needs but among the participants at Cephas, how many understand we are on a shoestring budget and cannot meet the demands of many who come to us because we have very little in the way of resource and funding? We could do so much more but are unable to supply needs to others because we are not asking. When I am preparing a meal and I realize that I forgot to pick up butter or eggs, I walk across the dock to a neighbor's and ask if he has butter or eggs in the measure that I require. Whenever someone has the item I am looking for, they are always willing to give to my need. Of course I always go out of my way to remember the "help" they lent me and often give back some measure more for their generosity and kindness. Let the scales balance out dear one and allow for others to know our need. It is only pride that keeps us from indicating to others what our need is. Who cares what the “self reliant” thinks of us if we ask anything? Everyone at some time or another has needs and Cephas Ministry is bombarded with requests to fill the needs of others that are seeking. If we are found re-distributing the wealth of unrighteous mammon to many of the "have-nots" because the "have-nots" come knocking on our door, isn't this a "good thing?" Of course I am speaking on relatively small terms compared to the bigger ministry organizations but there are enough participants at Cephas Ministry who can and should be encouraged to do more. What do you think dearest? I think we should not be ashamed to ask and seek from those who we know do have much to share. “And if we are refused then it is no skin off our back but you better believe that those who refuse God's children who make reasonable request will likely hear the inevitable, "Depart from me you wicked one, I never knew you..." statement. This is just another way to get people involved and participating in a relevant manner so that they too may be rewarded to some degree as in, "Truly I tell you, if you give so much as even a cup of water to one of these." I consider this a justifiable part of the calling to which we are engaged and it is up to us to make productive choices so as to improve or enhance the lives of others where the gospel is concerned. God is glorified in this and it is His will that we continue to minister on all levels according to the needs that are presented to us as best as we can administer such. So, in a nutshell dear one, make your requests directly with those whom you know have an excess of unrighteous mammon. Plead our case and let God's Holy Spirit that is with you and in you do the rest. If we do this, our needs will be met and we will be further empowered to meet the needs of others that come knocking. “The above presentation and recommendation is a sharp contrast to what the larger ecumenical organizations are doing. We are not part of their schemes and there is no impropriety regarding how you have managed the Cephas resources over the years. We are not seeking to live lavishly and we certainly don't preach wealth and prosperity doctrines so who is there that can hold anything against us if we prove ourselves responsible stewards of the world's unrighteous mammon? I am merely seeking to do more and accomplish more in an attempt to change the huge imbalance that exists between the "haves" and the "have-nots." Having been among the "have-nots" now for a number of years, I'm sure you can understand why I feel the way I do. I am tired, exhausted, worn-out and stressed continually over the disparity in my life and the world I live in. In fact... I'm mad as a hornet and attempting to change the debilitating plague that affects so many of us. I pray you understand and accept what I am saying here. I may come off strong about it and if you feel uncomfortable with that, I'm sorry. I just know that we can be doing so much more. God did give us the ability to reason, which separates us from the rest of the mammals on earth. It isn't "what" we receive or "how much" that makes a difference but how we utilize our funding and resource that makes all the difference. Since, in my mind, Cephas has proved itself to be a truly righteous example of Christ's teachings in the way you have managed the ministry from day one, I think it's time we ask, seek, knock and make request for more. Won't you agree with me on this dear one? If you do then say, "AMEN"
My despair goes even deeper because of the most recent revelation and confirming testimonies of a handful of God fearing persons; having unanimously concurred the reason for these sharp contrasts between contemporary Christianity and the biblical examples of faith is a lack of obedience to God’s most simple right and just laws of love. Most people do not grasp the word “obedience” when referring to the unchangeable Word of God and Christ’s example. Many say, “It is too hard for us to obey” or “That is not how our world works today.” Some of the more popular leading men in Christianity are mocking God and His Word by denying the infallibility of God’s unchanging Word. A prime example of this is Arno Froese, publisher of Midnight Call Magazine, who states in a letter to a Christian woman dated November 23, 1994 “My personal Bible consists of the KJV in English and the Luther in German but in my reading it for over 27 years, I know of hundreds if not thousands of clear discrepancies, sometimes right out contradictions.” Mr. Froese is well known among Prophesy Conference circles and keeps a tight network of like-minded people around him. By declaring God’s Word to be in error, he reveals himself as a false teacher/prophet. Among the many errors Arno Froese cites in the Bible is out of Isaiah 14:12 where Lucifer is identified as the Devil. Arno declares that the name, “Lucifer” was invented or made up by English Occultists. He also believes that the word “virgin” is erroneously applied to Mary, describing the mother of Jesus. According to Froese, these so-called errors prove that the King James Version of our Bible is a “pagan language translation.” Brethren, this clearly mocks the Word of God for that which we believe to be true testifies; Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is tried (pure or proven): He is a shield unto them that take refuge in him.” In the book of John Jesus testifies, John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.” All the Apostles agree and as I have clearly pointed out in this exhortation, all suffered a great deal defending this fundamental truth against the false teachers, prophets and heretics. Even though I am disregarded by some as being true to Jesus in my faith and people will point to my apparent dysfunction and lack of financial security as evidence, even though many regard me as some lunatic bent on brow beating believers with the necessity of obedience to Christ’s example, even though I am continually ignored by others in discernment ministry and rejected at the doors of contemporary churches, I will continue to apply myself to the pattern and example of righteousness that Jesus so demonstrated. It is painful and it brings me sorrow but the witness must endure for Christ’s sake. In his second letter to the gathering at Corinth Paul states; 2 Corinthians 2:17 “For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.” “Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that steal my words every one from his neighbor. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith Jehovah, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, saith Jehovah.” Our Heavenly Father further instructs us in the way of wisdom by prescribing a simple remedy. Jeremiah 23:33-37 “And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of Jehovah? Then shalt thou say unto them, What burden! I will cast you off, saith Jehovah. And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of Jehovah, I will even punish that man and his house. Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What hath Jehovah answered? And, What hath Jehovah spoken? And the burden of Jehovah shall ye mention no more: for every man's own word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of Jehovah of hosts our God. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath Jehovah answered thee? And, What hath Jehovah spoken?” Should we fail to heed this instruction then we are likely to reap undesirable consequences. Jeremiah 23:38-40 “But if ye say, The burden of Jehovah; therefore thus saith Jehovah: Because ye say this word, The burden of Jehovah, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of Jehovah; therefore, behold, I will utterly forget you, and I will cast you off, and the city that I gave unto you and to your fathers, away from my presence: and I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.” Therefore, let no one teach or preach to you what is contrary. Romans 16:17-18 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.” There we have it folks. “For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.” Again, I speak not to condemn but to admonish all of you in love. I speak on behalf of those who are restricted by economic oppression. I speak on behalf of those who are struggling and stumbling because of poor leadership and example in man’s contemporary churches. I speak on behalf of all that have taken the higher road for the sake of what is right and just and are suffering to greater degrees for it. I speak on behalf of the single parents and widows whose plight and suffering I share in. I speak on behalf of all that are making an escape from their once favorite apostate churches and are looking for refuge and sanctuary. I speak for people everywhere who cannot afford to live modestly because of increasing costs, taxes and fees are draining what little resource they still have. I speak on behalf of all that discern that American politics are part of the problem in the Middle East rather than being the solution. I speak on behalf of all those whom are being rejected and disregarded by society’s elite because of racial and economic profiling. I speak on behalf of all whom are starving for safe fellowship and seeking the truer Christ-like examples of righteousness and justice but are not finding it. I speak on behalf of those who are feeling tired and weak and ready to surrender because they’re already feeling defeated by enemies of the Cross. Brethren, friends and neighbors, we must overcome. We must assemble and fellowship. We must bring our offerings to help ease the burden of suffering from those whom are innocent victims. We must apply ourselves to the fundamental Christ-like examples of faith and stewardship. We must consider ourselves as servants and soldiers of righteousness with duty and responsibility. We must honor our Lord’s sacrifice and be willing to present ourselves as living and holy sacrifices unto God. We must acknowledge and recognize that we are called to be sons and daughters to God. We must confess our trust in Christ’s redeeming sacrifice to others without the fear of reprisal and be ready to take a stand and make a difference. Are you ready to be caught up with Christ in the air? Will He find you working out your salvation with fear and trembling or sleeping lazily on the sofa in front of the TV? Brethren, there is much work to do and we need your help and support. Are there any who have been given ears to hear? Hello, hello is anybody out there? With all sincerity and love for the truth and my scattered brethren, Nicholas A. Stivers a humbled God fearing man, scribe and messenger Author; Apostasy Revealed published 2003 by Mountainview
Publishing ISBN: 1-928602-92-4 |